Video and Telephonic Hearing Protocols
Hearings may now be done remotely via video stream. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- There must be agreement between the parties; otherwise, there must be extenuating circumstances that warrant a remote hearing.
- Generally, remote hearings fully comport with due process. Further, they comport with any right to confront witnesses.
- These are legal proceedings, and they should be treated that way. Just as you would dress and act accordingly if you were appearing in person, you should dress and act appropriately on the video stream. This is not Zooming or Facetiming with friends.
- Well before the hearing, you should run a wi-fi speed test. This is as easy as entering "wi-fi speed test" in your device's search bar. Alternatively, the FTC has an excellent app to run a speed test. It is our experience that wi-fi speeds of 20 Mbps or higher are acceptable. If you are below 10 Mbps, you should fix the problem or do an in-person hearing.
- Parties will be required to exchange exhibits prior to the remote hearing as well as send them to the Hearing Examiner and court reporter. Further detail will be given in the hearing order.
- You will receive an email with a link to the video stream and a phone number to call. DO NOT USE BOTH the video stream and telephone. This causes feedback and makes the hearing impossible. If you insist on using both, you will be dismissed from the hearing.
- If you do not have access to video capabilities, you may be permitted to have your hearing by phone. The email invitation will have a phone number and passcode.